01 Windstar Trans Lever, Thump Question.....

Hello everyone,

I have two issues and I;m wondering if they are related and if anyone else has had these issues.


First Issue: Shift Lever

Whenever I park my car and shift it into park, I ALWAYS have to apply the emergency brakes first then I can release the brakes. The reason for this being is because if I try to shift into park and then release the brake the car moves a couple of inches but when the car moves I have a hard time shitfing the car out of park when I come back. It seems like these couple of inches have some kind of effect on the tranny. This is NOT normal on the other cars I have and it is scary since my wife drives the car and sometimes she forgets this :frown: .

Second Issue: Mysterious "Thump"

This has been happening for a while. In the Morning when I first pull out of my driveway at around 7-10MPH, shifting from 1st to 2nd I feel a "thump" coming from under the car. It only happens in the morning and the car shifts perfectly throughout the day. I have no troublecodes coming from the tranny and this is puzzling me.

I was wondering if any one with a 99-02 windstar has also had the same symptoms and if there is any resolution to this. This van is great for comfort and family use but the reliable and the mechanical expense is the worst. I will never buy a ford again :disappoin .

Thanks for replying and for taking time to read my post, I really appreciate it !:grinyes:

Carlitosway

I have a 2001 with 101,000 + miles. If I park on a hill I have to put the E brake on. If I don't its kinda hard to get into gear if there is force on the trans.As for the thump when shifting, have you had the fluid changed.? It may be slipping a little and then once pressure builds it thumps.The fluid need to be changed about every 30,000 or so miles but I do mine every year. I will say my trans is about to go. It leaks like crazy after it gets good and hot. But on my 8 mile one way trip to work its fine. So i am waiting mine out until it gives up.But as for the hard shift into gear if you are on a hill this is normal but if your not something must be binding. On flat surface it should not do that.

thanks for the reply gary,

ya I'm about to get a fluid change even though i just did it last year, but I feel like it might need it. Its got 91K and I'm kind of worried about the realibility since I;m gonna be taking a road trip.

The thumping I'm not to worried about since it only happens one time when i pull out in the morning........or maybe I should be worried about it:frown:.........i guess the only thing to do is pray that the van doesnt give me trouble on the trip.

Thanks,

Carlitosway

Just keep an eye on it to see if it leaks.. When you stop it will leave a small puddle on left hand side kinda in the center. The right side will be AC water..Mine does it if I put about 10 miles city traffic then any thing after that it leaks and leaves a trail. I do think my problem is my pump by the way it bumps every now and again. But I am ok with it right now since its only my work car for now. After i get the trans rebuilt or replaced I will alternate on long trips. GOOD LUCK,Gary